Flamengo and Roma Set to Swap Right-Backs in Major Summer Deals

Emerson Royal will join Flamengo from AC Milan on loan with an option to buy for €9 million. Wesley is moving from Flamengo to AS Roma for €25 million plus extras. The clubs are finishing final details.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Flamengo acted fast to sign Emerson Royal from AC Milan after he agreed to return to Brazil. The 26-year-old right-back struggled in Milan after joining from Tottenham in 2024. AC Milan accepted Flamengo’s €9 million offer. Meanwhile, Flamengo will send their star right-back Wesley to AS Roma. Wesley will sign for €25 million plus bonuses. It’s one of the club’s biggest deals. Roma agreed personal terms with Wesley earlier, but Flamengo waited for Emerson’s transfer before letting Wesley travel for his medical.

IMPORTANCE FOR THE TEAMS

Flamengo is currently in second place in the Brazilian Serie A, two points behind Palmeiras. They have defensive issues after drawing key matches. They see Emerson Royal as the experienced right-back they need. Milan’s selling Emerson helps their plan to rebuild the squad after finishing eighth in Serie A last year. Roma, who finished fifth in Serie A, made the right-back spot a priority as they aim for UEFA Champions League qualification. Wesley’s excellent performances for Flamengo caught their eye. He had over 40 appearances last season and contributed three goals and seven assists.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Emerson Royal might debut for Flamengo this weekend in their top-of-the-table match against Palmeiras. Flamengo aims to close the gap in the standings as the title race gets more intense. Wesley is expected in Rome before the weekend to have his medical and sign his contract. According to a report, Wesley will sign a five-year contract with AS Roma, earning €2.5 million per year plus bonuses. Roma’s Serie A opener is against Bologna, an important match as both teams finished close in the standings last year, with Roma in 5th and  Bologna in 9th but having won the Champions League. Both deals are in their final stage, and Flamengo and Roma hope their new right-backs can quickly impact and help reach their season goals.